Beatrice had known suffering.
She had died young, been thrown into a novel, and somehow ended up trapped in a royal palace she had no interest in.
But nothing, absolutely nothing, had prepared her for the horror of seeing her family step into the palace.
The grand doors swung open, and the herald's voice rang through the court.
"Announcing the arrival of Duke Conrad Da Ville, Duchess Ethel Da Ville, and Lord Magnus Da Ville!"
Beatrice's soul left her body.
Her father, Duke Conrad Da Ville, strode in like a man who owned not just the wealthiest estates but also the very air people breathed. His dark eyes scanned the court, sharp and assessing.
Her mother, Duchess Ethel Da Ville, walked beside him, dazzling in a gown embroidered with gold-threaded roses and far too many jewels.
And then there was Magnus.
Her older brother strolled in like he had no cares in the world, smirking like he was here to cause a scandal just for fun.
Beatrice clutched her chair.
This is a disaster.
The entire court had gone quiet.
King Marshall Montague, who had looked bored only moments ago, was now fully awake, studying the Da Villes like a potential enemy.
Queen Cecile's smile was polite but distant.
Lila looked like she had just smelled something rotten.
And Francois?
Francois was looking directly at her.
Beatrice refused to meet his gaze. She did NOT want to be associated with this mess.
Conrad stopped before the throne, bowing with precise grace. "Your Majesties. It is an honor to stand before you."
The king leaned back, looking at him with mild amusement. "Duke Da Ville. What an… unexpected visit."
"Ah," Conrad said smoothly. "But how could we not visit? Imagine our joy when we heard that our dear Beatrice had not only been included in the selection but had also been chosen to remain at court."
Beatrice wanted to fling herself out of a window.
Lila snorted. "Joy? Were you expecting her to fail?"
Ethel gasped dramatically. "Oh, of course not! We have always known our Beatrice was… exceptional."
Beatrice squinted at her mother. Since when?!
Ethel turned her attention to Queen Cecile, her voice dripping with false warmth. "It is such a relief to know the palace recognizes Beatrice's true worth."
Beatrice knew exactly where this was going.
"Indeed," Conrad added smoothly. "With her intelligence and sharp mind, Beatrice would make a remarkable queen."
Beatrice choked.
Johanna, who had been silent until now, tensed.
The entire court went still.
Queen Cecile's polite smile didn't waver. "That is quite the statement, Duke Da Ville."
"I only speak the truth," Conrad said. "It would be a shame if a future queen lacked the strength and influence necessary to guide a kingdom."
Beatrice saw exactly what they were doing.
They weren't just pushing her forward. They were undermining Johanna.
The tension was so thick it could suffocate a man.
And then Magnus made it worse.
He leaned casually against a nearby chair, looking perfectly at ease. "After all, if this selection was truly about finding the best match for the prince, then shouldn't all candidates be given a fair chance?"
Beatrice snapped her head toward Magnus.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
Magnus winked at her.
Beatrice wanted to throw him into the sea.
Johanna lowered her gaze, silent.
Francois remained watching Beatrice, like he was waiting to see how she would react.
Beatrice wanted to throw something at his head.
Before things could spiral further, the king's voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Enough."
The room fell into a dead hush.
King Marshall Montague's expression was unreadable, but there was an edge in his voice. "The palace has made its decision. The selection is over."
Conrad smiled, unbothered. "Of course, Your Majesty. We would never challenge the palace's judgment."
Liar.
Ethel sighed dramatically. "It is simply… unfortunate."
Queen Cecile arched an eyebrow. "Unfortunate?"
Ethel nodded, her voice full of false sympathy. "Lady Johanna is lovely, of course, but so delicate. The role of queen is so demanding. A weak ruler would be… difficult for the kingdom."
Johanna's fingers clenched slightly over her skirts.
Beatrice ground her teeth. These snakes.
Magnus gave a slow, mocking sigh. "But who knows? Maybe Lady Johanna will rise to the challenge someday."
Lila shot up from her chair, furious. "Are you insulting Johanna?"
Magnus turned to her lazily, looking amused. "What? I was just asking a question. Why so defensive, Princess?"
Lila bristled. "Don't call me that."
Magnus grinned. "Why not? You like calling me 'Da Ville.' Fair's fair."
Beatrice narrowed her eyes.
Wait.
Was that… flirting?
Lila scoffed. "You're insufferable."
Magnus leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Careful, Lila. Keep looking at me like that, and people will start talking."
Lila's face darkened.
Beatrice wanted to slam her head against the table.
Before Lila could explode, Beatrice marched up to her family, smiling sweetly.
And then stomped on Magnus's foot. Hard.
Magnus hissed in pain. "What the hell, Beatrice?!"
Beatrice ignored him. She turned to her parents, forcing her voice to be calm. "Mother. Father. Dear brother. What a surprise to see you here."
Conrad and Ethel grinned.
Beatrice turned to Queen Cecile, still smiling. "Your Majesty, please forgive my family. They have a habit of… overstaying their welcome."
Ethel gasped. "Beatrice!"
Beatrice's smile did not falter. "Mother."
Queen Cecile hid a smirk behind her hand.
The king, looking deeply amused, turned to Conrad. "Duke Da Ville, since you have come all this way, you may join us for an evening meal."
Beatrice internally screamed.
Conrad smiled. "It would be our pleasure."
Beatrice bit back a groan. Great.
She wasn't just suffering in court. Now she had to survive an entire dinner with them.
As the Da Villes were led away, the king turned to Beatrice, chuckling. "Your family is insufferable."
Beatrice slumped into her chair. "Tell me about it."
Lila scoffed, still glaring at the door.
Francois?
Francois was still watching her. And for some reason, he looked almost…
Amused.
Beatrice groaned. This nightmare was just beginning.